New National Organization American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR USA™) Launches to Advance Women in the PR Profession across North America

The Organization of American Women in PR (CNW Group/The Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations)

Official Celebration to be held March 2017 in New York City

VANCOUVER, Oct. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - The Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations (Women in PR Canada) is pleased to announce the launch of its sister organization, American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR USA™). Together, the organizations form the networking group Women in PR North America™.

The organization was developed to enable groups of women leaders in public relations across North America to come together to share ideas, contacts and experiences, and to advocate for major issues directly affecting women working in the PR industry today.

"The expansion of our organization into the USA marks an important milestone in our efforts to educate women in public relations and to help them advance in the field across North America," says Talia Beckett Davis, Chairwoman & President. "One of our main goals when forming this organization was to provide a place for women to thrive earlier in their careers and to strengthen the capabilities of established leaders in the PR industry."

Women in PR USA aims to become an important source of information for women in the field, a key player in the rapidly changing industry, and a global champion of women business leaders.

The organization is building chapters across the USA and the official launch celebration will be held in March 2017 in New York City (Women in PR New York™).

The organization will be proactively reaching out to event partners, sponsors and PR industry leaders over the coming months to seek input into future activities. The team is committed to maintaining a high caliber of programs for members and aims to become a thought leader and influencer in the field of public relations.

Through student, individual and corporate subscriptions, members have access to online courses, resources, case studies and networking opportunities. Memberships are reciprocal across the USA and Canada.

"Ensuring that our reach to support and to learn from other public relations professionals is not limited by geographical boundaries is very exciting for our organization and creates new opportunities for collaboration and growth. Knowing that the enthusiasm for strengthening our field is shared by colleagues internationally inspires us to explore new approaches to our craft and motivate the next generation to choose this career path." – Elisha McCallum, Vice President at FleishmanHillard

"Women dominate the PR industry in junior- and mid-level jobs, yet we hold less than 30 percent of leadership positions. Through Women in PR USA, this will change. We aim to add more women to boards, increase work flexibility, eliminate stereotypes, and teach women how to promote themselves. It's pertinent we support one another, collaborate together, and garner the well-deserved senior leadership positions." – Gini Dietrich, CEO of Arment Dietrich and author Spin Sucks (the book and the blog)

"As the field of public relations continues to evolve, women need the support of other women to thrive in our profession. While many women work in our industry, there's still a gender gap in leadership roles. Women in PR USA will help the female leaders of tomorrow break through that gap." – Michelle Messenger Garrett, CEO of Garrett Public Relations

"It's refreshing to stand behind an organization that is focused on encouraging and supporting women in public relations by not only providing the tools, resources and encouragement I need to become a better PR professional, but by tackling issues around work-life balance, career advancement and equality for women in the workplace." – Alyssa Barry, Investor Relations Consultant

"As digital technology empowers us to thrive in a global workforce, the launch of an American counterpart to Women in PR Canada is essential. With this new organization we will mutually inspire each other by sharing our experiences inside and outside of the corporate boardroom." – Natasha Netschay Davies, Co-Founder of Moonraker PR

"I've been fortunate in my career to live and work around the globe. It's been evident to me during this time that the communications world has no borders and those working in public relations speak the same language. Expanding our organization will allow professional women in public relations to connect, motivate, and support each other regardless of our physical location, and will only continue to grow and strengthen the skillset of those in our field. – Lynn Gervais, Director of Public Relations at Fairmont Chateau Whistler